The Trials of Koroibos (pronounced coh-ROY-bose) are a region-wide set of competitions held every four years in Hellea. A long-respected tradition, even ongoing wars will be paused for this month-long event in order to allow all who wish to attend. The Trials are an opportunity for athletes and adventurers from across Hellea to test their skills against their peers.
History
Though founded and held for the first few centuries in Chiarae, now within the territory of the Ersas City States, today the Trials rotate between a number of Hellean cities. In order, the Trials take place in Chiarae, Odarta, Egaro, Ketros, Lindus, Ithai, Kardia, Delphedon, and Kios. These ten cities were specifically chosen so that each region would host the Trials at least once in each lifetime (of most people, at least). Contestants must be from Hellea, although spectators from all across the world are welcome to attend.
Events
The primary focus of the Trials are to test the competitors’ physical might. Events vary from year to year depending on where the Trials are held, but some constants include foot races, wrestling, boxing, chariot races, javelin throwing, dueling, and pentathlons. Priests of Koroibos watch over all events, ensuring contestants do not cheat and tending to any injuries that arise. Magical items are strictly forbidden in physical events (some exceptions may exist for prosthetics, so long as they do not give the competitor an unfair advantage). Contestants typically do not train to compete in one event, but rather focus on achieving broad physical prowess and then enter as many events as possible.
One of the Trial's biggest attractions for spectators is the Bloodbath, a gladiatorial event that pits competitors against the most fearsome beasts that could be acquired. While in other events competitors are discouraged from taking actions that cause themselves harm, and hurting other competitors strictly forbidden, the Bloodbath is intended to push participants to the limit; it is not rare for deaths to occur. Any type of combatant is welcome in the Bloodbath, whether martially or magically inclined, with certain caveats.
The Trials of Koroibos are inaugurated by a great celebration, with parades, feasts, and much drinking. These feasts last the entire day of the opening ceremony. The opening parades are heavily influenced by the state that is hosting the Trials, and are often seen as an opportunity to display aspects of cultural pride. An atmosphere of festivity hangs over the entire event, and it is not unknown for competitors to become so drunk they neglect to participate. As Koroibos is the patron saint of the competition, large offerings are given to Mithrai in honor of the legendary saint in both the opening and closing celebrations. Individual contestants also often pray to the saint in hopes of a good performance.